when you need to be quiet. In a campground, next door to a crotchety old guy like me, next door to a new mom and dad with twins finally sleeping etc etc etc, you get the picture. A bow saw with a nice meaty blade can make short work of enough boards stumps and branches for a nice morning or evening fire without letting everyone in on what's happening. The same design with a more delicate blade can cut very intricate designs. No pigtail no noise just the zzzzzz on the power stroke.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a- ... e-Turning/